Physical characteristics

The Dragon Li cat , also known as the Li Hua Mau, Li Hua Mao, and Li Mao (Fox Flower Cat), is a medium size cat with a powerful body and muscled legs. The head is rounded. The large almond-shaped eyes are either yellow or green. The medium size ears are rounded at the tips, with distinctive tipping. The paws are rounded too. The tail is medium length, often marked with black rings or a black tip. The serious look of Dragon Li cats reminds of the wild heritage of this breed.

Temperament

The Dragon Li is valued for its high intelligence, loyalty, and independence. These cats love to play and enjoy being the centre of attention, but they much less demanding than, for instance, the Abyssinian or Burmese cats. Very adaptable. Tolerant with children and other pets. The Li Hua Mau is also thought to have an incredible awareness of its surroundings and location.

Coat and grooming

The Dragon Li comes in a distinctive golden-brown colour and broken mackerel (broken striped) tabby pattern. There is no undercoat, so the cat is sensitive to cold weather. Weekly grooming should be fine to keep the coat in a good state.

Health

Naturally healthy cats with no known breed-specific diseases.

Other interesting facts

Originated in 2003, the Dragon Li cat is thought to be a natural self-domesticating breed from the wildcat subspecies of the Chinese Mountain Cat. The Dragon Li is very rare and difficult to find outside China.